Do you sometimes feel very sad, heavy, and empty? Does it go away in a few days, or does it last for weeks or months? Depression, or as we all know it, is not just a feeling of sadness. It can affect almost every aspect of our lives, and it is a medical condition that needs to be treated. If left untreated, this condition can lead to many serious complications. Let's talk today about why you should be aware of this.
What is this depression?
Simply put, depression is a state of sadness, grief, or hopelessness that lasts for a long time. It can also be accompanied by physical symptoms. We all feel sad and down at times in our lives. It's normal. But in clinical depression, this sad, hopeless state lasts for more than two weeks. It affects our daily lives to the point where we can't function.
What are the common symptoms of depression?
The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms. Let's look at these in a table.
| Type of symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental and emotional characteristics | |
| Constant sadness | A sad mood that lasts all day, a feeling of emptiness in the heart. |
| Disappointment | Thinking darkly about the future, feeling like nothing will work out. |
| Guilty feelings | Feeling worthless and guilty about everything. |
| Loss of interest | Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy (hobbies, meeting friends). |
| Thoughts | Thoughts of ending your life. This is a very serious situation. |
| Physical and behavioral characteristics | |
| Sleep changes | Insomnia, early morning awakening, or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia). |
| Changes in diet | Loss of appetite and weight loss, or overeating and weight gain. |
| Loss of energy | Feeling tired all the time, unable to do anything. |
| Sexual desire | Almost complete loss of sexual desire (Libido). |
| Physical pain | Headaches, stomach aches, and body aches that don't respond to treatment. |
Why are people with chronic illnesses more likely to suffer from depression?
Imagine that someone has a long-term or chronic illness such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, cancer, or arthritis. While being treated for that illness, they also have to deal with the impact that the illness has on their daily lives. It may be difficult to walk or do their work on their own. These things can cause a lot of stress and breakdown.
Studies have shown that about one in three people with these serious chronic illnesses are at risk of developing depression.
But this is not a normal response to the disease. Some people are genetically predisposed to depression. When faced with a major stressor, such as a chronic illness, they are more likely to develop depression. Also, depression can complicate the chronic illness. The fatigue and social withdrawal caused by depression can make it difficult to get proper treatment for the disease and avoid exercising.
What chronic diseases is depression most commonly associated with?
While any chronic illness can cause depression, some illnesses are more likely to be associated with it. Just look at these statistics.
| Chronic Illness | Depression prevalence rate |
|---|---|
| After a Heart Attack | 40% to 65% of patients |
| Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis | 40% of patients |
| Cancer and Diabetes Patients | 25% of patients |
| Stroke patients | 10% to 27% of patients |
When you look at these statistics, you can see how closely linked these two conditions are. So, if you have a chronic illness, it's extremely important to take care of your mental health as well.
Depression and physical pain
Depression is not limited to the mind. It can also cause physical pain. Our brain controls our body. The emotions we experience directly affect our body. Some people may experience unexplained long-term headaches, neck pain, stomach aches, and body aches . If these pains do not subside despite taking medication, there is a good chance that depression is the cause.
How does depression affect sex life?
This is a topic that many people are reluctant to talk about, but it is very important. Depression can cause a decrease in sexual desire (libido). This can also affect personal relationships. In addition, some medications used to treat depression can also cause a decrease in sexual desire or affect sexual function as a side effect . If you have this problem, it is important to talk to your doctor without being embarrassed about it. Perhaps a change in medication or another solution can be found.
Sleep-related complications
Insomnia, or sleeplessness, is a major symptom of depression. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep at night and waking up in the middle of the night. When you don't get enough sleep, you feel tired all day and have no energy to do anything. This can make other symptoms of depression worse.
Some people have the opposite problem. They sleep too much. This is called hypersomnia. Even after sleeping for a long time, they still feel tired the next day . If you have been having sleep problems for a long time, it is wise to see a doctor to check for other symptoms of depression.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is not just sadness, it is a serious medical condition that requires treatment.
- If left untreated, it can worsen your existing chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Unexplained physical pain, sleep problems, and decreased sexual desire can be symptoms of depression.
- If you or someone you know has these symptoms, don't be shy or afraid, see a doctor immediately . Asking for help is a sign of strength.
- With the right treatment (medication and counseling), depression can be completely controlled and you can live a healthy, happy life.
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